Mariska Hargitay’s fans believed she was the daughter of Hollywood icons Jayne Mansfield and Mickey Hargitay. However, in May 2025, the Law & Order: Special Victims Unit actress revealed a major family secret – sharing that her biological father is actually Nelson Sardelli.

SVU star was raised by bodybuilder Mickey Hargitay, she revealed in My Mom Jayne that her biological dad is entertainer Nelson Sardelli.

The actress says her biological dad is Italian singer Nelson Sardelli, not Mickey Hargitay — something she discovered when she was in her 20s.